Apartment complex evacuated after reports of 'suspicious item'

Published: Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 07:14 PM.

Photo Galleries

WHITSETT — A bomb squad responded to the scene of an apartment complex Saturday afternoon after police received a report of a “suspicious item” being found, though later concluded it wasn’t an explosive.

Around 3:30 p.m., the Burlington Police Department responded to the call at Woodspring Apartments, located at 7548 Woodspring Drive, near Springwood Park.

Upon arrival, officers determined an “unknown device” was located in the parking lot and appeared to be suspicious, according to a news release.

In addition to the Burlington police and fire departments, the Greensboro Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Team investigated the item, which was located near one of the apartment complex’s Dumpsters. Upon arrival, the bomb squad sent a robot over to the area to examine the item and conduct a “render safe procedure,” police said.

"It turned out to be nothing," said Lt. John Bigelow. "We're glad it wasn't."

According to Bigelow, six or seven buildings at the complex were evacuated and re-opened later in the evening.

Some residents were seen standing outside the buildings and around the perimeter of the complex, though most were unsure about why the apartments had been evacuated.

WHITSETT — A bomb squad responded to the scene of an apartment complex Saturday afternoon after police received a report of a “suspicious item” being found, though later concluded it wasn’t an explosive.

Around 3:30 p.m., the Burlington Police Department responded to the call at Woodspring Apartments, located at 7548 Woodspring Drive, near Springwood Park.

Upon arrival, officers determined an “unknown device” was located in the parking lot and appeared to be suspicious, according to a news release.

In addition to the Burlington police and fire departments, the Greensboro Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Team investigated the item, which was located near one of the apartment complex’s Dumpsters. Upon arrival, the bomb squad sent a robot over to the area to examine the item and conduct a “render safe procedure,” police said.

"It turned out to be nothing," said Lt. John Bigelow. "We're glad it wasn't."

According to Bigelow, six or seven buildings at the complex were evacuated and re-opened later in the evening.

Some residents were seen standing outside the buildings and around the perimeter of the complex, though most were unsure about why the apartments had been evacuated.

Multiple people reported that Burlington police and Guilford County sheriff’s deputies came around beating on doors and yelling for residents to evacuate.

Police say the investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at 336-229-3500 or CrimeStoppers at 336-229-7100.